André Rauhut's company first introduced Martin Audio's multi-cellular loudspeaker array system to the artist's production back in 2011, when the two operations started working together. "We first used an MLA/MLX rig for a big outdoor show," remembers Rauhut. "They really loved how the system sounded, and as a result, they have since continued to work with us. MLA has become vital to the quality of the live sound."
For the current Guten Tag tour, which takes in most European countries, Complete Audio are providing a total of 26 MLA enclosures, two MLD down-fills, 16 MLA Compacts and 18 MLX subs (scalable to suit the venue). The main hang normally ranges between nine and 13 MLA plus MLD, in L/R configuration, with MLA Compacts flown as out-fills where necessary - and other near-fills and in-fills applied, depending on venue size.
Initially, Complete Audio experimented with the MLX sub configuration. "We tried broadside - with and without cardioid layout - but after a couple of shows, we found the best set-up to be three MLX stacked on top of each other, outside on each flank, with the other MLX's arranged in stacks of two facing forward alongside the stage," explained the Complete Audio MD. "This broadside approach, accompanied by two 'in your face' stacks on the outsides, provides both an even coverage and some real punch. The subs are delayed from the centre outwards to achieve extra spread in the larger arenas."
(Jim Evans)
